Afghanistan Continuation Approved

The Swedish parliament voted Thursday for the continuation of the Swedish contingent in the Isaf force in Afghanistan.

Every party except the opposition Left party supported the government’s proposal to remain in Isaf with an armed force of at most 855.

The Left party criticised how much success Isaf has achieved during its 8 years.

That position was not shared by the other opposition parties. But both the Social Democrats and the Greens called for a review of the Swedish participation in Afghanistan to be undertaken in 2011.

Conservative Moderate Defence Ministry Sven Tolgfors told parliament it would be totally irresponsible towards the civilians of Afghanistan and a betrayal of international solidarity to abandon the mission.